Lakers rookie Bronny James reveals the secret to NBA success he shared with younger brother Bryce

The Los Angeles Lakers fell 118-89 to the Milwaukee Bucks at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday night. JJ Redick‘s team faced the game without most of their stars, giving Bronny James a chance to play more minutes than usual this season. After the game, he discussed the advice he gave his brother Bryce about succeeding in the NBA.

“As we were younger, the main thing I’d like to push to him was just having fun, playing your game, being confident in yourself,” Bronny began by saying at the post-game press conference, shared by Dave McMenamin on his X account.

Then the young Lakers guard talked about how, now that they’re older, the focus has necessarily shifted. “I think as you know, as I became a senior, he’s now a senior– to just have that mindset of working,” he explained. “Because there’s a lot of kids out there that want to be in my spot or his spot and we can’t take that for granted. So, just keep working.”

When James talks about where he and his brother are right now, he’s not exaggerating. Bronny has slowly shown signs that he’s talented enough to establish himself in the NBA, even though he hasn’t had many opportunities on the court this season. Meanwhile, his brother Bryce recently won the CIF State Division 1 title with Sierra Canyon School, a valuable accomplishment at his age.

LeBron James with Bronny and Bryce.

JJ Redick talks about Bronny James

Against the Milwaukee Bucks, Bronny James had his best NBA performance to date. In a difficult context for the Lakers due to the absences of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves, among others, the young guard was on the court for 30 minutes, contributing 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists.

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After the game, JJ Redick made it clear that he is very confident in Bronny’s progress. “I think the next step is just becoming an elite-conditioned athlete. If he does that, with his physical tools, his burst, and his handle, we think he is going to be an above-average to really good NBA shooter,” the coach said. “He’s going to have the chance to really make an impact.”

More praise for Bronny James

Former Houston Rockets player Chandler Parsons also praised Bronny James after Thursday night’s game. “This kid doesn’t stink… he could play and he proved that last night,” the former forward said on Run It Back. “I think last night kinda opened up some eyes even for JJ Redick and that coaching staff – that look, this kid could give us something.”

Parsons also addressed those who criticized James in the past. “I think a lot of guys that have doubt and that hate, I get it, it’s only natural given the circumstances,” he acknowledged. “I’ll say all that people are like, ‘Oh, he doesn’t belong in the NBA and all of this’— not anybody could just go in an NBA game and have 17 points.”